What special meaning or lore does your favourite flower hold?
With spring and summer upon us, flowers will soon be in full bloom and gifts from the garden will brighten many a day. But what might a bouquet of buttercups really mean? Should you lavish lilies on your loved one? Here's a quick look at some popular flowers and what they symbolize:
Named after the Greek word for "dazzling," the amaryllis boasts a tall, strong stalk topped with a gorgeous blossom, thus signifying a sense of pride and splendour.
Bird-of-Paradise - the start of something strange and new
Also known as the "crane lily" because of its resemblance to Japanese paper cranes, the bird-of-paradise's exotic, tropical blossom lends itself to a feeling of the exciting and unusual.
Buttercup - childishness
Despite its use in the Middle Ages as a remedy for madness, buttercups have since adopted a sweeter significance as a symbol of playful naïvete.
Chrysanthemum - hope
The chrysanthemum blooms in late fall, so it's associated with a sense of light in dark times. Red blossoms mean "I love," white signifies truth and yellow has traditionally symbolized hurt.
Crocus - gladness
Considered St. Valentine's flower because it blooms in early spring, the crocus's scent is also said to be a stimulant.
Daffodil - chivalry
Another early bloomer, the daffodil's roots can be traced to the Old English word "affodyle," which means early arrival.
Dahlia - instability of beauty
Stunning but difficult to sustain, the dahlia's persnickety nature makes it the ideal symbol for beauty's fickleness.
Daisy - innocence, indecision
Simple and pretty, the daisy was traditionally worn in a wreath by a young woman who might be undecided about her feelings for a suitor.
Forget-Me-Not - remembrance
Austrian legend has it that two lovers were walking by a river the day before their wedding, when the young woman spotted a blue flower drifting by in the current. Eager to please her, her beau leapt into the waters to retrieve it and, just after tossing it to her, was swept away to his death... shouting, "Forget me not!" as he disappeared.
Hollyhock - fertility
The hollyhock plant grows quickly and becomes quite large with an abundance of seeds, and has therefore come to symbolize fertility.
Lavender - mistrust
Despite its fragrant aroma, lavender has traditionally represented wariness or mistrust because, per legend, snakes would often hide beneath its leaves.
Click to continue for more flower meanings and discover the difference between red and yellow roses...
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The chrysanthemum blooms in late fall, so it's associated with a sense of light in dark times. Red blossoms mean "I love," white signifies truth and yellow has traditionally symbolized hurt.
Crocus - gladness
Considered St. Valentine's flower because it blooms in early spring, the crocus's scent is also said to be a stimulant.
Daffodil - chivalry
Another early bloomer, the daffodil's roots can be traced to the Old English word "affodyle," which means early arrival.
Dahlia - instability of beauty
Stunning but difficult to sustain, the dahlia's persnickety nature makes it the ideal symbol for beauty's fickleness.
Daisy - innocence, indecision
Simple and pretty, the daisy was traditionally worn in a wreath by a young woman who might be undecided about her feelings for a suitor.
Forget-Me-Not - remembrance
Austrian legend has it that two lovers were walking by a river the day before their wedding, when the young woman spotted a blue flower drifting by in the current. Eager to please her, her beau leapt into the waters to retrieve it and, just after tossing it to her, was swept away to his death... shouting, "Forget me not!" as he disappeared.
Hollyhock - fertility
The hollyhock plant grows quickly and becomes quite large with an abundance of seeds, and has therefore come to symbolize fertility.
Lavender - mistrust
Despite its fragrant aroma, lavender has traditionally represented wariness or mistrust because, per legend, snakes would often hide beneath its leaves.
Click to continue for more flower meanings and discover the difference between red and yellow roses...
Page 1 of 2
